//------------------------------//
// The Perfect Evening 
// Story: The Wandering Physicist Adventures 
// by WanderingPhysicist 
//------------------------------//

Main Characters: Stormy, Rei, Inkie, Image
Cameos: TWP, Lyra
Original Start Date: November 11, 2012
TWP Reader Survey 2 - If you're up to it.





        ‘Rei! Hurry up in there! We’re going to be late!’ The Dressed-up Physicist yells.
        It is the night of Ponyville High School’s annual prom. James has been roped into chaperoning to help make up from Rei’s crazy behaviour over the past year. He is waiting for Rei to finish getting dressed so he can finish his grooming as well.
        ‘Come on! I need to wash up!’
        The washroom door opens. A white muzzle partially appears and looks the waiting stallion up and down. A brush is shoved into his hooves.
        ‘Fix your mane,’ Rei snaps before slamming the door.
        ‘Come on, Rei. You’ve been in there for hours.’
        ‘I HAVE TO LOOK PERFECT FOR INKIE!’
        James groans as he combs his mane. There is trotting on the stairs. He looks down and waves at Image Crystal. James knocks on the door again.
        ‘Image is here. You’re perfect.’
        Rei storms out of the washroom. ‘I’M NOT READY!’
        Rei stands in the hall growling at her dad. With her designer dress from Rarity, styled mane, preened wings and brushed coat, the young mare is beautiful. There is a thump from the stairway as Image faints from the sight.
        James smiles and kisses his daughter on the forehead. ‘You look perfect. My perfect, lovely daughter.’
        Rei blushes and looks down. ‘Thank you... I’m ready.’

        ‘I’M NOT READY! I HAVE TO LOOK PERFECT FOR REI!’
        James groans and hits his head against Inkie’s apartment door, messing up his mane. On the ground below him, Image snickers. Stormy trots beside his friend. He looks at his laughing peer and moaning mentor then looks at Inkie’s apartment.
        ‘You look fine!’ the young unicorn stallion shouts. ‘Let’s get this over with!’
        Image looks at his friend next to him. Stormy is in a crisp tuxedo, hoof-stitched by Rarity, complete with the freshest rose from the Flower Trio’s shop. His mane is gelled back, his horn is polished and his fetlocks are evenly trimmed. In contrast, the other young stallion is wearing one of his dad’s old suits, barely has a combed mane and still has flecks of paint in his tail from his last commission. Image feels a little inadequate next to his metrosexual friend.
        ‘Keep looking at me like that, and you’re taking the prom photo with me,’ Stormy jokes.
        ‘Sorry. You just look...’
        Stormy grumbles. ‘I spent three days with Rarity, Fancy Pants and Fleur trying every material on the planet and being measured countless times. I know I am perfect.’
        ‘That’s a bit of an understatement.’
        ‘I know... I had to tell Fleur I am dating Trixie a dozen times. Supermodels don’t seem to listen when you reject them.’
        Image’s jaw drops. Stormy smirks at his friend’s reaction. There is another knock on Inkie’s door.
        ‘STILL NOT PERFECT!’
        ‘Uh... Inkie-chan.’
        The apartment door flies open. The young grey mare is wearing her Rarity dress, which matches her coat and hair. Her mane is styled to the side, actually revealing both of her eyes for once. Rei’s wings stick straight up. She and Inkie stare at each other, blushing at the beauty they see in each other. James looks at the two lovestruck mares then down at Stormy. The unicorn nods and levitates them down to ground level. James joins the group and leads them to their dance with destiny.

        ‘You just talk to them,’ Stormy groans.
        ‘But what if...’ Image tries countering.
        ‘Nope. Just talk with them. Mares are just like stallions only they don’t smell as bad.’
        ‘Thanks for the expert analysis,’ Inkie grumbles.
        ‘But mares do smell better than stallions,’ Rei counters. ‘Just ask any pegasus.’
        ‘That is just because your nose is specially-tuned to pick up on scents. If you ask any regular...’
        ‘It was on MythBuckers,’ James interrupts.
        Inkie pauses. ‘Huh. So it must be true.’
        The group comes to a stop at the school. Other teens are entering the building with teachers and chaperones. None of the teens want to be the first to step forward. James goes to the front of the group.
        ‘Be safe,’ He tells Stormy as he puts something in the young stallion’s pocket. ‘Be safe,’ he says as he does the same to Image. He stops in front of Rei and Inkie. He looks at both of them and leans in. ‘She is my daughter. I will know if if you two do anything.’ The stallion turns towards the dance and trots forward. ‘Let’s get this over with!’
        The teens nervously kick the ground before Stormy looks up and nods. Rei smiles at her friends and nods too. The others laugh and gallop towards the dance, passing their escort on the way.

        Stormy escorts Image around the gymnasium. The building is full of schoolponies mingling, dancing and generally enjoying the atmosphere. The unicorn levitates a glass of punch as they pass the bowl.
        ‘I don’t see what you are so nervous about,’ Stormy says. ‘You just have to be yourself. If they don’t like who you are, then it is their loss.’
        ‘It can’t be that simple,’ Image worries. ‘I mean, just look at you or Rei or Inkie. You have layers of swag that I can’t hope to achieve.’
        ‘The veneer is meaningless if the pony behind it isn’t sincere. You really should have signed up for Rarity’s class like I told you.’
        Image takes a few deep breaths to calm himself. ‘Okay. I think I am ready. Any last bits of advice?’
        Stormy smirks. ‘Don’t be afraid to tell her how much you like her cutie mark. At the very least, tell her how much you have noticed it. Also, don’t be afraid to brag about your special talent. Chicks dig artists and love modelling for them.’
        Image nods. ‘Right. Makes perfect sense. I’ll just... Eep!’
        The young stallion tenses as a young earth pony mare trots up. ‘Hi, Image.’ She grins as her attention changes. ‘Hi, Stormy.’
        ‘I have a fillyfriend,’ Stormy bluntly states as he trots away drinking his punch.
        ‘Shoot.’ The young mare frowns then looks at Image. ‘What are you staring at?’
        ‘You have a lovely cutie mark. I’ve been noticing it from afar.’
        The young mare scoffs, ‘Pervert,’ and trots away.
        Image moans and trots away to find his courage again. He passes Rei as the young mare turns away from the punch bowl. She has a glass of punch on both wings as she prances away. The young pegasus gets blocked by a pair of older pegasi mares. They glare down at the shorter pony.
        ‘Um, excuse me,’ Rei ask. ‘I don’t want to get punch on my dress. Rarity made it specially for me.’
        ‘Pfft. Looks like a cheap Rarity knockoff,’ one of the mares scoffs.
        ‘If it is real, you probably had to trade half your stupid shop to afford it,’ the other taunts.
        ‘Actually, my daddy got it for me. He got them for both me and my date.’
        ‘You have a date?’ the first mare laughs.
        Rei nods. ‘Yep. I was getting her punch. That is her over there.’
        Rei points with a free hoof at Inkie, who is looking around and trying not to feel out of place. The two mares gape at Rei’s date.
        ‘She is probably blind if she is going out with you,’ one mare taunts.
        ‘Listen, I am trying to be nice about this,’ Rei huffs. ‘I don’t want to ruin tonight. Inkie never went to real school, so it is important that her first dance be perfect. This is your one warning to let me pass and not interfere.’
        The other bully scoffs. ‘Maybe not blind. Probably her sister or something.’
        Rei snorts. She tosses the glasses of punch into the air, quickly charges her electrical affinity and taps the bullies on the neck. The mares get shocked expressions and collapse to the ground. Rei catches drinks and calmly trots over to Inkie. The young mare smiles at her date and takes her punch.
        ‘What did they say?’ Inkie asks.
        ‘You are my blind sister.’
        Inkie laughs. ‘You would think they could come up with something better than that.’
        ‘Nopony is as smarty as Inkie-chan.’
        ‘Except for maybe Full Moon.’
        Rei blushes and squeaks. Inkie giggles at her date. James trots by only to stop a random young stallion. He puts something in the stallions pocket.
        ‘Be safe,’ The Protecting Physicist advises and trots away.
        That stallion does not get far before he is stopped by a teacher.
        ‘And just what the hell do you think you are doing?’ the teacher demands.
        ‘Giving out balloons. What does it look like, Lyra?’
        Lyra glares at the stallion before backing off and shrugging. ‘Whatever. Balloons are perfectly fine.’
        ‘Good. Then you won’t mind using your intel-gathering skills to help me give them out.’
        ‘Why would you need my..?’
        James puts a box in Lyra’s hoof. The mare looks at the box, then screams and drops it on the floor.
        ‘Just trying to stop unwanted pregnancies.’
        Lyra grimaces as she taps the box. ‘I haven’t had to deal with those since my last health class...’
        ‘I don’t see what the big deal is. I use them all the time.’
        ‘I know...’ Lyra sighs. ‘Fine. If it is for the kids. But you owe me a good story by the end of the night.’
        The stallion nods. ‘By the end of the night. I promise.’
        The two ponies hoof bump and set off on their mission.
…
        Image has left what remained of his dinner outside, collected his courage and is back in the gymnasium planning his next move. He see a cream-colored unicorn mare he likes and slowly trots up to her. She does not seem to notice the young stallion beside her. Image opens his mouth to talk, but no words come out. He quickly gallops away to collect himself again. The young mare looks around and sighs.
…
        On the dance floor, Rei and Inkie stand on their hind legs and dance together. The smaller mare leans against her fillyfriend’s chest and coos.
        ‘Inkie is best dancer.’
        Inkie laughs. ‘Actually, the whole family is pretty good, even Blinkie. I think it was something innate in all of us that Pinkie helped us discover.’
        Rei laughs. ‘You have the second best big sister after Rainbow.’
        ‘Do you mean...?’ Inkie looks down. Rei has her face buried in Inkie’s dress. ‘Are you okay?’
        ‘Sorry. I was just thinking of my family back home. I wish they could see me like this. They only ever saw me when I was sad or upset. They never got to see me when I was truly happy like I am now.’
        Inkie lifts Rei’s face and smiles. ‘I know how beautiful you look. I am extremely lucky to see how happy you are too.’
        Rei smiles and wipes her tears on a tissue. She leans up and kisses Inkie. Some of the couples dancing around the pair look over and cheer them on.
        Rei leans back down. ‘I love you, Inkie-chan.’
        ‘I love you too, Rei.’
        The music stops. Another couple compliments Rei and Inkie on how good they look together, getting shy smiles and blushes in return. The music comes back on with a more energetic beat. The young mares smile at each other and start tearing up the dance floor.
        Across the room, Stormy has finally been cornered. A large group of young mares and some young stallions have him pinned against a wall and are asking for a dance. Stormy sighs and reaches into his tuxedo.
        ‘I figured this was going to happen,’ Stormy grumbles, ‘so I had Rarity help draw this up.’ He gets out a long scroll. ‘I discussed it with my fillyfriend and if you sign this agreement, you will all be allowed one and only one dance. No kissing, horn touching, wing touching or other actions by either party. Our hooves stay at the shoulder or higher. If you violate this agreement in any way, the dance is forfiet and I’ll see you in court.’ He looks around. Nopony has left. He looks down and sighs. ‘Buck. Fine. Who’s first?’
        The group mobs forward all at once and gets held up. A random pegasus stallion slips to the front of the group. He smiles at Stormy. The young unicorn shrugs and levitates the contract and a pen.
        ‘Whatever. If you behave, I might let the guys kiss. I know Trixie would die of laughter if she found out.’
        The other ponies sort themselves out and line up behind to sign the contract. Stormy sighs again and escorts the other stallion to the dance floor. They are stopped by Lyra. She looks them up and down and puts something in the pegasus’ pocket, getting a groan from Stormy. The teacher makes her way around the room where she meets up with James. She sits in a huff by her partner in crime.
        ‘I am so glad Bon Bon is a mare,’ the unicorn grumbles.
        ‘How’s that?’
        ‘Well, two of the couples I stopped were so stupid that they didn’t know how to use one. I had to put one on my horn to show them!’
        James laughs. ‘They were probably just messing with you.’
        ‘I am so going to fail them on Monday,’ the teacher growls.
        ‘Also, you have to give them to mare-mare couples too, just in case.’
        ‘Why is that?’
        James leans over and whispers. Lyra’s eyes go wide.
        ‘I did not know that,’ the mare gapes. She tries looking behind her. ‘Are my wings sticking up? I think my wings are sticking up.’
        ‘You don’t have any wings.’
        ‘Phew. That would have been embarrassing.’
        ‘Your horn is sporting a cool, radioactive green glow, though.’
        Lyra squeaks and tries covering her horn. She blushes bright red. ‘It is a good thing Bon Bon and I don’t need those. I let my fingers do the talking.’
        James gives Lyra a disturbed look. ‘I’m going back out there to teach the kids about safe sex.’
        ‘That’s probably a good idea.’
        The two adults reach to hoof bump but stop. They sigh and finish the bump before splitting again.
…
        Stormy levitates a mobile as he takes a picture of himself with his current dance partner. After getting the picture, the younger unicorn male gives Stormy a kiss on the cheek and gallops away happy. Stormy laughs a bit when he sees the jealous faces from all of the young mares waiting to dance with him. He motions for the next in line to step forward. A pale yellow pegasus mare with a golden mane steps to the floor and takes Stormy’s offered hoof.
        ‘Sunshine,’ Stormy greets.
        ‘Stormy,’ Sunshine Drops giggles. ‘Before we start, I want to tell you something.’
        ‘I have a fillyfriend.’
        ‘More importantly, my parents are out of town for the weekend.’ She leans in and whispers, ‘We can have the whole place to ourselves.’
        ‘Do you want this dance to end?’
        Sunshine pouts. ‘Fine. You don’t know what you are missing.’ She smirks. ‘And the offer still stands when you are ready.’
        Stormy groans as the dance continues. Image sidles up to one of the mares waiting to dance with Stormy. She looks at him and rolls her eyes.
        ‘Line starts over there.’ She points. ‘But I think he is booked for the night.’
        ‘Actually, will you dance with me? I’m a bit of an artist. My name...’
        ‘Oh! You’re an artist,’ the mare comments. ‘I just thought you didn’t know how to use the washroom.’ She pretends to whisper, ‘Try washing your tail better.’
        Image whimpers and gallops away, accidentally slapping the mare with his tail. She grumbles and goes back to waiting for her turn with Stormy. The cream-colored unicorn from earlier trots over, looks around and sighs before leaving.
…
        James and Lyra meet up by the refreshments.
        ‘Gave out seventeen,’ the stallion reports.
        ‘Gave out this many.’ Lyra holds up a hoof.
        ‘Hooves, not hands.’
        ‘Right. Gave out ten, but all to couples with seventy percent and above chance of mating.’
        ‘Speaking of which, have you seen my daughter?’
…
        Rei trots through the halls of the school with, giving her her first tour of the building. They are careful not to enter any of the classrooms so not to disturb potential occupants.
        ‘It feels so weird being in school again,’ Inkie comments. ‘It has only been a couple years since uni, but it feels like forever ago.’
        ‘Was that a lot different from this?’
        ‘I guess so. I was through with both so quickly.’
        ‘I actually graduated back in Neighpon. Top of my class... and the least popular student in school...’
        ‘Good thing that has changed.’
        ‘Has it?’
        ‘Did you even hear half of the ponies that stopped me tonight! They all told me how lucky I was to be with you. You are a very popular pony, Rei.’
        ‘Really?’
        ‘Yeah! Everypony told me how you helped them against bullies but ended up getting in trouble instead. A lot of them wish they could help you out.’
        ‘I... didn’t...’
        ‘Rei is the type of pony everypony should know.’
        Rei tackles her fillyfriend in a tearful hug. ‘Inkie is the best! She deserves a better fillyfriend than Rei!’
        Inkie kisses Rei. ‘How could I have better when I have the best already?’
        Before she can tear up again, Rei flips Inkie onto her back and takes off, flying away as fast as they can.
…
        Image sits at a table and groans, his hooves covering his head. Somepony sits beside him.
        ‘Go away. I want to be left alone.’
        ‘Striking out, huh?’ Stormy asks, on a break from his dance queue.
        ‘Shut up. Everything you told me doesn’t work,’ Image moans. ‘When I try talking, I can’t say anything. When I actually can say something, they call me a pervert.’
        ‘You’re just asking the wrong ponies. Come with me.’ Stormy gets up and trots away. ‘Come. With. Me. … Now I sound like Rarity.’
        The unicorn grabs Image’s tie with his magic and drags the earth pony to his hooves. He pulls his friend across the room to the refreshments. The cream-colored unicorn is pouring herself some punch. Stormy clears his throat. The unicorn turns and gasps.
        ‘My friend here was just telling me how pretty he thinks you are. Right, Image?’
        ‘Um, well, uh,’ Image stutters. He takes a hoof to the knee but is able to stand. ‘Uh, yes! You are quite lovely.’
        ‘Th-thank you,’ the mare replies.
        ‘I’ll leave you two to dance,’ Stormy says as he turns away.
        The two ponies stare at each other.
        ‘I’m Moon Glow,’ Moon Glow introduces.
        ‘Um, I’m Image Crystal. Um... Dancing?’
        ‘I’d love to.’
        Image laughs a bit out of shock, and leads Moon Glow to the dance floor.

        Rei leans against Inkie as they sit and watch the stars. Inkie looks around herself then leans against Rei.
        ‘You know how to make the impossible possible,’ Inkie giggles.
        Rei giggles too and taps her hoof down. They are sitting on a flattened cloud Rei made solid by charging it like a plasma window.
        ‘Inkie...’
        ‘Yes?’
        ‘I know you don’t like heights, but is this okay?’
        ‘It is amazing, R... Full Moon. It is truly amazing, my beloved Full Moon. You are truly amazing, Full Moon.’
        Rei coos and cuddles closer to her date.

        After a couple dances while chatting, Image and Moon Glow are enjoying a slow dance with the young mare resting her head on the young stallion’s shoulder. The music stops. The two ponies drop back to four legs and stare at each other. Moon Glow slowly leans in kisses the surprised earth pony. The kiss is interrupted by James putting something in Image’s pocket.
        ‘Wait,’ the older stallion says. ‘I already gave you one.’ He shrugs and trots away. ‘Better safe than sorry.’
        Image’s naturally red cheeks turn redder. Moon Glow giggles and kisses the young stallion again. She smirks a bit and nods towards the back exit. The two ponies make their way through the other dancers. Stormy groans as he continues to dance with the current young mare in the rotation. He looks around and sees his mentor standing at the back wall. The young stallion mouths ‘bored’ and scowls. James grins and points to the entrance. Stormy leads his partner so he is facing the main doors. Suddenly, the doors burst open and a cloud of smoke and fireworks fill the gymnasium. A light blue mare with a perfectly-styled silver mane and wearing a stunning gown steps forward. Stormy immediately shoves his dance partner aside.
        ‘I thought you weren’t going to come,’ Stormy gapes.
        ‘This is my beloved’s big night, and The Great and Powerful Trixie always keeps her promises.’
        Trixie advances towards her coltfriend and gives him a kiss.
        ‘The Kind and Handsome Stormy loves The Great and Powerful Trixie.’
        ‘Now there is a title that truly is an understatement.’
        Stormy and Trixie kiss again. The other ponies start returning to the dance floor, and the DJ restarts the music. The couple kiss again as they attempt to begin dancing. The attempt fails as the couple starts making out in the middle of the dance floor. Trixie stumbles a little from the force of Stormy’s kissing. The young stallion blushes and holds out a hoof when he accidentally knocks Trixie to the ground. She smirks and pulls him to the ground. All of the other dancers stop and stare in shock. Lyra trots up to James and stands beside him.
        ‘Took longer than I expected,’ Lyra comments.
        ‘It has been a bit. They are a little rusty,’ James replies. ‘Think we should stop them?’
        ‘Oh, definitely.’
        ‘Agreed. You run interference with the teachers, I’ll block the exits.’
        The adults cackle and go about keeping the other teachers and chaperones from ruining Stormy and Trixie’s moment.

        Rei’s and Inkie’s dresses hang with care as not to get messy. The two mares roll around on the floor/bed in Inkie’s apartment. Eventually, they find a comfortable position and lay with Rei on top of Inkie. The smaller mare’s wings stick out to her sides, and she flaps them gently.
        ‘Stupid injuries,’ Rei grumbles. ‘They make my wings sore in this cold weather. I should be all healed up by now.’
        Inkie giggles as Rei fidgets on her back. ‘I barely noticed any change in your flying. It is still terrifying to me, but I love when you take me up like that.’
        ‘I love how tightly you hug me.’
        ‘I love hugging you.’
        The two mares giggle and say in unison, ‘I love you.’
        Inkie carefully rolls around so that Rei is laying on her belly. ‘Rei, have you ever wanted to take our relationship further?’
        Rei buries her muzzle in Inkies chest and mumbles, ‘Twice a week when Del and my dad aren’t listening...’
        Inkie blushes. ‘Not like that. There has to be some step between here and there we can go to.’
        Rei fidgets more and tries burying her muzzle deeper in Inkie’s chest. ‘Actually... There is one thing... … No! I am too scared to say it!’
        ‘What is it? You can tell me anything.’
        Rei lets out a loud whine and gets up. She digs in the folds of her dress for a moment. Her breathing sounds like she is about to hyperventilate. Eventually, the panicking pegasus turns around and sets a small box in front of Inkie. The earth pony’s eyes go wide.
        Rei slowly calms her breathing. ‘I know we are both too young, and I am definitely far from ready, so this would be like a very, very, very pre-engagement.’ She opens the box to reveal a jeweled bracelet.
        ‘It is gorgeous,’ Inkie gasps. ‘When did you get it?’
        ‘I had Daring pick it up for me a month ago. My dad doesn’t know I got it... I’ve... been too scared to say anything until now.’
        Inkie gets the rare occasion to tackle Rei in a hug. ‘I love you so much! Of course I’ll marry you one day! I love you, Full Moon!’ She starts peppering Rei with kisses.
        Rei giggles under the kisses. ‘This isn’t really an engagement band. It is...’
        ‘Shut up. I don’t care. The only thing I care about is my beloved Full Moon.’ Inkie lays on Rei’s chest and sighs, ‘The future Mrs Full Moon. I can’t wait for that day.’
        Rei giggles, ‘Mrs Full Moon Pie.’
        The bad pun sits over the two mares in love for several moment before both start roaring with laughter.

        James and Lyra stand outside of the gymnasium. They are herding the students out while thanking them for coming. The students look a little shocked. At the other side of the exit, another teacher glares at the two ponies.
        ‘Thank you for coming, Mr Wanderer. These dances are usually so dull.’
        ‘Think nothing of it,’ James replies. ‘It is my pleasure to help keep the students safe before it is their pleasure.’
        ‘Speaking of which, good timing getting Stormy and Trixie out before the principal caught them. I would hate to have lost my best student.’
        Image and Moon Glow trot out together. James quickly slips something into the young stallion’s pocket. The adults laugh as Image groans and trots away with his new fillyfriend.
        ‘So, what happened to Rei?’ James asks.
        ‘I thought she was still inside with Inkie.’
        James pauses. ‘You are the master of tracking everypony, and you lost my daughter.’
        ‘Oh, don’t worry. I took her aside after class the other day and gave her all the pointers she would need for what she is probably doing right now. I never noticed before that her coat was really bright pink.’
        ‘You better be joking or you are joining Maxie in the magicless club.’
        ‘Of course! I saw them flying away earlier. See. I knew where they were.’
        ‘I meant about the other thing.’
        ‘Of course! It wasn’t just her. It was every filly with a fillyfriend. I wanted them all to be prepared.’
        James holds up his mobile. ‘Yeah, Ponyville School Board? I have something to tell you about Lyra...’
        The unicorn jumps the stallion. ‘Gimme that! It was all a joke! Rei and Inkie are just back at Inkie’s apartment.’
        The last of the students exits, and the other teacher shoos away the troublemakers. They head back towards town together.
        ‘Oh. Is that all?’ James puts away his mobile. ‘I hope she finally proposed. Daring and I spent so long picking out the right bracelet.’
        Lyra stares in shock. ‘Do what now?’
        The Proud Parent smirks. ‘Rei got Inkie a pre-engagement bracelet. I couldn't be happier for the two of them.’
        ‘I have to write about this.’
        ‘Fine. We’ll compare notes at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie should still be up, and I am feeling the need for brownies and doughnuts.’
        Lyra pokes the stallion in the gut. ‘Says the pony who stuffed himself on those at his birthday.’
        ‘Hey. Gotta get my favorites in on the one day Twilight can’t complain.’
        Lyra laughs. ‘Just wait until you two are married. That changes everything.’
        ‘Says the pony who is the main reason Bon Bon’s stocks don’t spill into the street after three days.’
        ‘Pure coincidence.’
        The pair of adults are stopped by a young pegasus stallion. He blushes and looks around.
        ‘You two are the ones giving out...’
        James and Lyra each put something in the young stallion’s pockets. ‘Be safe!’